Modular AC input section for a power supply unit

Abstract

A power supply unit includes a housing in which one or more power supply modules can be inserted and a modular AC input section. The modular AC input section preferably attaches to the distal end of the housing from where the power supply modules are inserted. The AC input section includes one or more circuit breakers, connectors and wiring connecting the breakers to the connectors. The connectors preferably comprise blind mating connectors that mate with corresponding connectors on the rear surface of the power supply modules. The AC input section is screwed to the power supply housing or attached through some other suitable means. The AC input section is modular in the sense that it can be easily and quickly removed from the power supply unit and replaced with another section. This permits upgrades and repairs to be made in a quick, cost effective manner.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A modular AC section for a power supply unit that provides electrical power to a plurality of electrical equipment, comprising: 
       a top in which a plurality of holes are formed and into which screws are inserted for attaching said modular AC section to said power supply unit;  
       a back adjacent said top;  
       a circuit breaker attached either to said top or back;  
       a connector attached to said top, said connector adapted to mate with a corresponding connector from a power supply module inserted into the modular power supply unit; and  
       wiring that connects said circuit breaker to said connector;  
       wherein said AC section is L-shaped.  
     
     
       2. The modular AC section of  claim 1  wherein said connector comprises a blind mating connector. 
     
     
       3. The modular AC section of  claim 1  wherein said connector comprises a blind mating and hot pluggable connector. 
     
     
       4. The modular AC section of  claim 1  further including a plurality of connectors attached to said top and adapted to mate with corresponding connectors from power supply modules inserted into the modular power supply unit. 
     
     
       5. The modular AC section of  claim 4  wherein said connectors comprise blind mating connectors. 
     
     
       6. The modular AC section of  claim 1  further including a plurality of circuit breakers. 
     
     
       7. The modular AC section of  claim 1  further including two AC input connections. 
     
     
       8. The modular AC section of  claim 1  wherein said back is perforated. 
     
     
       9. The modular AC section of  claim 1  wherein said back is perforated to permit air flow to assist in removing heat from said power supply unit. 
     
     
       10. The modular AC section of  claim 1  further including a locator post in said top which mates with a corresponding locator recess in said power supply unit. 
     
     
       11. The modular AC section of  claim 1  further including redundant power feeds. 
     
     
       12. A rack of electrical computer equipment, comprising: 
       a plurality of computers housed in said rack;  
       a power supply unit housed in said rack and providing power to said computers, said power supply unit includes a power supply housing mated to said rack in which a power supply module can be inserted and an AC section that mates to said power supply housing and provides output electrical power, said AC section comprises:  
       a top in which a plurality of holes are formed and into which screws are inserted for attaching said AC section to said power supply housing;  
       a back adjacent said top;  
       a circuit breaker attached either to said top or back;  
       a connector attached to said top, said connector adapted to mate with a corresponding connector from a power supply module inserted into the power supply housing; and  
       wiring that connects said circuit breaker to said connector;  
       wherein said AC section is L-shaped.  
     
     
       13. The rack of electrical computer equipment of  claim 12  wherein said connector comprises a blind mating connector. 
     
     
       14. The rack of electrical computer equipment of  claim 12  further including a plurality of connectors attached to said top and adapted to mate with corresponding connectors from power supply modules inserted into the power supply housing. 
     
     
       15. The rack of electrical computer equipment of  claim 14  wherein said connectors comprise blind mating connectors. 
     
     
       16. The rack of electrical computer equipment of  claim 12  further including a plurality of circuit breakers. 
     
     
       17. The rack of electrical computer equipment of  claim 12  further including two AC input connections. 
     
     
       18. The rack of electrical computer equipment of  claim 12  wherein said back is perforated. 
     
     
       19. The rack of electrical computer equipment of  claim 12  wherein said back is perforated to permit air flow to assist in removing heat from said power supply unit. 
     
     
       20. The rack of electrical computer equipment of  claim 12  further including power feeds. 
     
     
       21. A rack of electrical computer-equipment, comprising: 
       a plurality of computers housed in said rack;  
       a power supply unit housed in said rack and providing power to said computers, said power supply unit includes a power supply housing mated to said rack in which a power supply module can be inserted and a modular means for interconnecting AC input power to a power supply module, wherein said modular means is L-shaped.  
     
     
       22. The rack of electrical computer equipment of  claim 21  wherein said modular means is screwed to said power supply housing. 
     
     
       23. The rack of electrical computer equipment of  claim 21  wherein said modular means comprises redundant power feeds.